How Much Does Bathtub Tile Refinishing Cost Depends On The Damage And Problem You’re Trying To Solve?
Here you’ll discover the truth about “How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost.
Bathtubs come in many sizes and suffer an array of damage and unique situations.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide: To properly address; the question “How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost” you’ll need to consider these examples below to help determine the true cost you’ll be spending.
Each of these problems and type of damage will add to the cost. When asking a refinishing company “How Much?” If they give you a price without going over the following, you may want to move on? The needed repairs will NOT BE DONE!
Click to open images in a light box for larger view.
This represents a standard job. Tub and tile are simply worn-out without any unusual damage, nor has it been done before.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Other than being worn out and needing a color change, this tub and tile refinishing job does not require any additional repairs. Once the old caulk is removed and the fixtures prepped and a few minor repairs made it would be ready for refinishing.
Removal of failed tub liner will add to the refinishing cost.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Removal and disposal of the old liner is one issues, plus we won’t know the extent of the damage until the liner is removed. It may require chemical stripping and may have other problems that would need addressing once removed.
This tub would incur additional labor because the cabinet is to close and would need to be removed prior to refinishing.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Would appear to be a basic job but when a vanity cabinet or toilet is too close can interfere with the coating application. At minimum 8″ is needed or the aesthetic quality of the finish product will suffer.
This Bathtub Bathtub refinishing poorly done resulting in a peeling tub that needs chemically stripping.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Poor surface preparation, no acid etching, no bonding primer can be seen and this jerk even coated over the drain, also note the overflow was not removed before refinishing. Chemically stripping adds 1 to 2 hours to the job. Proper protective safety equipment and ventilation is mandatory.
Cheap refinishers will not strip the old coating but merely smooth out the edges and re-coat. If the old finish is failing, there’s no foundation for the new coating to attach to. This is like putting a new roof on your home over rotten wood!
Here the shower door track was chiseled off creating excessive damage.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
This added one hour in repair charge, to repair the badly damaged tub rail along the entire length.
Bathtub Bottom Bathtub bottom needed a rebuild along with chip damage around the entire rail.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Here we have a very solid cast iron bathtub that was holding water. Overtime the entire bottom became pitted along with all the chips and scars on the rail, required 2.5 hours of repair charge.
Rust under the drain or overflow will return. Removal of the drain is required.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
You’ll be wasting your money if the rust is not completely removed. This drain needs removal or your finished job will blister around the drain and leaving in a worn out drain will not look aesthetically pleasing.
Having the bathtub refinished with the drain out creates a clean look and a new drain/overflow makes the bathtub look brand new. *Requires access to tubs plumbing.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
I recommend when practical to prep the tub, pull the tub drain and overflow before refinishing. Then return the following day to install a new Watco chrome drain and overflow. See why I recommend this valuable service… Go here.
It’s the perfect time and the results are spectacular. Plus this procedure extends the service life of the new coating.
Dripping faucets causes deep erosion and rust creating additional labor charges.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Should the erosion have caused rust to form under the drain it should absolutely be removed before refinishing.
If no rust has formed under the drain, once prepped and cleaned up, filled, and sanded smooth with marine grade filler to remove the depression during the prep stage.
Home had settled causing the bathtub to hold water which rusted and eroded the tub.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
This tub was saved by filling in the entire bottom to allow the water to run toward the drain again. If not repaired the same problem will return in short order. Added several hours to the job and still saved the owner thousands over replacement.
The results of leaving a bathmat down for extended periods.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Bathmats left down trap moisture and creates an unsanitary condition that will eat through even a new bathtub or a refinished tub over time.
If you’re going to use a bathmat simply remove it after use and hang upside down over the tub rail to dry.
Adding a textured finish to the tubs bottom during refinishing avoids the bathmat problem.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
If a refinisher offers a non-slip solution you should see a sample as most use marine boat deck grit which is really harsh on ones backside. Others use a finer grit, which is less aggressive.
Our TubPotion #7 uses round micro-spheres to avoid this problem.
Here you’ll see a non-grit solution that creates a factory looking texture, that feels great when bathing and helps prevent your feet from slipping out.
This is TubPotion #9 and is exclusive product I developed for you.
Find out what’s included with your bathtub refinishing.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
When you make the mistake; of shopping by price. You’ll end up with surprises. Additional charges for minor chips that need repair or not removing the old caulk and re-caulking afterwards and not stripping old reglazing. You will ether get bait and switch pricing or a hack job.
4′ X 4′ Garden style tub takes longer to prep and requires more material.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
You’ll need to let the refinisher know if your tub is not a standard 5′ style tub. You’d be surprised by the vast variations we see. A tub like this would add another third to the cost.
Jacuzzi type tub has special considerations, you’ll need to be aware of.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
This huge bathroom needed extra time to mask off the room to protect it from over-spray. You’ll want to be sure the escutcheon on the jets are removed or at least screwed out some, so the new coating can get behind them.
Extra charges for masking the bathroom, the two-person tub was huge requiring more prep and material and a return trip to re-install the jets escutcheon.
Refinishing a bathroom the right way can dramatically make the bath look brand new.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Refinishing done right. This client got the full treatment and completely changed the old tried bathroom. New drain overflow, multi-stone accents on the tile and anti-slip treatment.
Note the water faucets escutcheon and tub spout where removed, before refinishing, polished up and re-installed the next day along with the new drain. Makes for a clean job and a great looking bathroom.
Ceramic tile wrapping around the bathroom has special considerations.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
I always recommend an in-home estimate for tile refinishing. We’ll need to know the sq. ft. check the condition of the grout, damaged or cracked tile and make sure the walls are solid.
In addition, the color was matched to the sink and toilet making the project seamless. A refinisher who quotes a price without seeing a job like this is worthless.
On this project, the owner had some special concerns doing the whole bathroom.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
When you have border tile or accents like this you may want to keep the look or add an accent where there was none.
Look at the toilet tank; it needs removal so the coating can be applied behind it. You’ll also need to consider the base board tile being a different color. If you ever change out the sink vanity later, will the new one fit the same footprint along the wall?
Here we get to see the results of a cheap tile refinishing Job.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
This project was done poorly, the loose grout not removed and missing grout not replaced.
Bad prep and cutting corners caused this job to fail. Again, the customer just didn’t understand the difference between refinishers and shopped by price, costing her big in the end, to get it done right.
Tile refinishing; Gone horribly wrong no prep and cheap materials, HORRIBLE!
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
This is what happens when you shop by price and hire a cheap refinisher.
The walls where not even cleaned much less prepped. No adhesion treatment, No bonding primer and cheap epoxy coating applied.
The refinisher (if you can call them that) simply came in papered up the room and shot on the coating. It failed soon after and “Refinisher” would not respond to the complaint.
Tile refinishing often requires some repair work.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Cracked, loose or missing tile easily repaired; and again demonstrates the need for an in-home estimate for bath tile refinishing cost.
Every job has their unique situations that needs addressing. That an unseen, one price special won’t cover.
Bad section of tile easily repaired, saving this client from a complete demolition. Saving This Client From a Complete Demolition.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Refinishing over a damaged wet wall is not the answer. Here we found during our estimate that a section of the wall was rotted and needed replacement.
By tapping on some other tiles, found them loose. Once removed and cleaned up, new wallboard was installed and tiles replaced then refinished.
This one-piece tub and surround was refinished together as there is no where to tape off the surround.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Even if, only the bathtub needs refinishing, one-piece acrylic fiberglass tub surrounds like this one, done together so there is not an unsightly tape edge. Some of these even have a roof over the top adding to the sq. ft.
Acrylic fiberglass tub hole punch through and cracked has several considerations.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Here a client punched thru the tub with a ladder painting the walls. A small board with some padding under the ladder spreading the weight would have prevented this.
When repairing this type of damage it’s important to note the tub should be re-supported underneath using a 2 part expanding foam, then applying the fiberglass patch.
Note the tubs anti-slip the pattern would be impossible to duplicate. One solution is to have an in-lay glued in to cover the damaged area. Another would be to have TubPotion #9 applied over the pattern, which would be several hundred dollars cheaper.
Old clawfoot tubs usually require additional hours of repair charges due to their age and damage.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Most Clawfoot tubs are riddle with pinholes, scratches, chips and erosion on the tub rail and bottom which if not repaired will magnify the problem once refinished.
These tubs generally suffer chipped and scared surface on the top roll. You should expect to pay a bit more to repair the damage for one of these beauties.
Remember you’ll get a much better job when the hardware and faucets are removed during the refinishing.
Outside of clawfoot tubs have multiple layers of paint and a very rough casting often requiring sandblasting.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Note that if you’re having the outside done with the tub installed up against a wall that only three sides can be gotten to. Also note these are often painted with lead paint and sanding should be avoided.
Chemically stripping is one answer, but serious protection to the floor needs addressing, so that the stripper does not hurt the flooring.
Most of our clients when getting the whole clawfoot tub done during a remodel will bring the tub to us. We’ll send it out for sand blasting, smooth up the casting with grinders and fill work, so the completed job is a true restoration. I doubt seriously you’ll be happy with the results when shopping by price on one of these. Do your homework.
Proper ventilation is critical for removing harsh odors. 12 inch ventilator vs. an 8 inch. Which one would you want? The Vortex 3000 CFM will make this a more pleasant experience.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
Many refinishers do not ventilate at all or if they do, use an inadequate ventilator with cheap Mylar foil hose that leaks fumes into your home.
You’ll love the Vortex 3000 CFM Ventilator we use along with the heavy duty poly vinyl exhaust hose.
There is a little know trick we use in placing the protective curtain over the door way that allow a circulation pattern to form, thus allowing the majority of the odor to be exhausted.
A professional refinisher will pay for themselves in lasting quality and protecting your home.
Bathtub Refinishing Damage Cost Guide:
PPG or personal protective gear is critical to the health of the refinisher. Professional equipment also protects your home from damaging over-spray and deliveries superior results in aesthetics and lasting results.
There are no standards in bathtub refinishing industry. Each company deploys its own system.
Coming from an automotive painting background, I’m very familiar with the ASE (Automotive Society of Excellence.) This holds a car painter to a known standard and best practices thru testing and apprenticeship, which I highly recommend to any bath refinisher.
As you can see there are many factors to consider when asking the question, “How much Does it cost to refinish a bathtub or ceramic tile”.
Here is a Bathtub Refinishing Calculator that I found to be pretty accurate, just plug in your zip code for your location. Keep in mind that it does not incorporate the problems you’ve seen on this page. (Opens in new window)
Using discount refinishers the quality and durability of your project will suffer. There easy to spot with their $299 specials.
It’s important to shy away from the commercial apartment refinishers, which are known for cut rate bathtub refinishing cost-pricing, poor training and cheap materials. Many are under insured putting you at risk, should an injury occur on your property.
They won’t ask you any question about your project, quote you a one price “DEAL” without seeing the job. You’ll likely get the “Bait and Switch pricing” or a “Hack Job”.
When choosing a bathtub tile refinisher find one that specializes in “Residential Quality Work” not having the headaches is worth every penny.
Phew! This was a lot of work to put together, Just to answer the simply question “Bathtub Refinishing Cost Damage Guide”.
Which If you noticed, was not answered. Pricing depends on your location, cost of living in your area and problem your trying to solve. Give us a call or email us about your project.
To see our PRICING PAGE for bathroom refinishing service go here…
With bathtub replacement costing upwards of $3000 and more, add tile replacement you can easily expect to pay over $5000. A quality refinishing job can generally save you 80%. So finding a reputable company will cost a bit more but less in the long run than hiring a scammer.
Tracy Jones Had no idea about how much damage a bathtub could have and why it’s so important to address these issues. Thanks for having such an informative post. Now I know what to look for in a refinishing contractor. Wish you were in my area.
I hope I’ve been of assistants in bathtub refinishing damage cost guide, I appreciate your taking the time to read through. Have any questions or comments please post below, I’ll be happy to answer. Please do the favor and be sociable by sharing or give us a like!.
Had no idea about how much damage a bathtub could have and why it’s so important to address these issues. Thanks for having such an informative post. Now I know what to look for in a refinishing contractor. Wish you were in my area.
I appreciate the very informative description of the damage, as well as the pictures to make the point. I will have to see what kind of problems my tub potentially has, and see if it would be better to get it refurbished, or replace it. Hopefully it will not be too damaged, and can be used for many more years to come.
Bought house that was flipped. two baths: one is shower, one tub. It was “refinished” poorly and is peeling. shower is ceramic tile, painted white. Tub is metal, and finish coming off. The tile walls are not too bad, one tile I see is blistered. I do not know which way to go cost wise. The tub underneath looks fine. The shower walls are actually nicer underneath from what I can tell. All was done in white in a very bad job. What can I do? There is no water damage in either.
Having the poorly applied coating stripped off, to access the condition is your only option other than gutting the tile and tub. Since it was a crappy job, the good news is, it will come off fairly easy. Chemical paint stripper is used, but you must, not only protect surfaces that can be damaged by the paint stripper, but you must protect yourself with good ventilation equipment and respirators to filter the air. Using paint stripper in a confined room is dangerous without proper safety gear. A refinishing company may be willing to do this for you. Expect you pay around $100 per hour for time and material. Not an easy job and getting the junk out in the grout lines is a hassle. Once stripped you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
I really need assistance, can you work in Delaware
Sorry to disappoint, the travel distance is just too far.
Thank you for all this great information. I just had my bathroom redone and saved the tub since I like it. I want to have it refinished but had no idea what all was involved. Your articles and video have been so informative-I know what questions to ask when I call local tub refinishers. I’m wondering if you know of anyone in the Pittsburgh Pa area that uses your methods? So far I have three names to call – Re-Surface Pro, All-Glaze, and Pittsburgh Bathtub Refinishing. I’m hoping one of them does all the things you recommend. I had a bit of a fiasco with the contractor who did the remodeling and I want the refinishing to go smoothly and correctly. Thank you for sharing all this info so I can be a knowledgable shopper!
I got your comment, I don’t check every day and I responded to your second inquiry.
I think my post may have disappeared somehow. I was hoping you might know a good refinisher in the Pittsburgh Pa area. My 1947 tub, which I chose to keep in a remodel, needs refinished. Your site has so much great information-I really appreciate you sharing your expertise. I like to learn as much as I can about things before I hire someone. I like to know I’m hiring the right person who will do it right the first time. If you don’t know of anyone at least I will be armed with the knowledge and questions I need to ask! Thank you!!
Mike Munoz uses our system and I believe serves Pittsburgh. 267.503.3500 toprefinishers@yahoo.com tell him Paul sent you.